Anxiety and High Blood Pressure - Discussion and Remedies

The link between anxiety and high blood pressure is undeniable.

Not only do anxious feelings and distress cause activation of the body in such a way that blood pressure increases, but people often struggle to distinguish between high blood pressure as an issue unto itself, or high blood pressure that accompanies episodes of significant anxiety (thereby making anxiety the underlying issue, rather than hypertension).

Generally, blood pressure should be around 110/70, although it is not necessarily a problem if it is slightly higher than this. However, elevated blood pressure is a problem; the best way to distinguish between hypertension (high blood pressure) and elevated blood pressure due to anxiety is to monitor the consistency and patterns of blood pressure elevation. If it only occurs in a spontaneous manner, and tends to coincide with anxious feelings, it is most likely due to anxiety.

That said, it is important to see a physician for evaluation if you are experiencing issues with blood pressure, as there are certain instances where labile hypertension may be a condition on its own.

What other link is there between anxiety and high blood pressure?

Additionally, there is some degree of comorbidity between hypertension sufferers and individuals with anxiety disorders. For people in this situation of anxiety and high blood pressure, compliance with treatment guidelines dictated by one's physician is of increased importance.

The connection between anxiety and high blood pressure can be direct - when one experiences anxiety, there are a number of physiological responses, most of which affect the body in such a way that blood pressure is increased.

From an evolutionary standpoint, anxiety is the response to a feeling of threat, which causes a "fight or flight" reaction in the body. Our ancestors felt anxiety when their safety was at risk, and therefore their body readied itself for extreme action. Because anxiety is very rarely proportional to its stimulus, our body's reactions are no longer appropriate, but they exist nonetheless. This explains many of the symptoms that accompany anxiety, such as increased blood pressure, heart rate, and perhaps breathing rate.

Importance of Exercise

When it comes to the issue of anxiety and high blood pressure (or anxiety in general, for that matter), nothing is more important than exercise. It is nearly impossible to convey the importance of exercise in managing stress and feelings of nervousness or anxiety.

In addition to the beneficial psychological impacts of exercise, it is an amazing way to keep the body's cardiovascular system healthy and working properly. For people who do suffer from hypertension, it is important to consult a physician before engaging in exercise, but regardless of your personal situation, you can be sure that exercise will improve both high blood pressure and excessive anxiety.

Which Came First?

Sometimes, the issue of anxiety and high blood pressure becomes a situation where one must ask which came first - "did the chicken come before the egg, or did the chicken come from the egg?"

Helpful Natural Remedies

For this reason, it is useful to develop an awareness of when one is becoming "worked up" so that techniques can be utilized that will lower the blood pressure / heart rate and reduce anxiety or prevent it from escalating. There are many methods of accomplishing this.

One great way of promoting relaxation is through aromatherapy, and a great deal of research has shown that lavender has incredible calming properties. A vast number of behavioral techniques also exist to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.

If all else fails, if you feel your heart rate and / or blood pressure rising, simply focusing on your breath and engaging in deep breathing can be instrumental in lowering oneself to a more rational, relaxed state.

Conclusion

Anxiety and high blood pressure go hand-in-hand, and it is very important for individuals with anxiety issues to become informed on how it may be affecting their body.

Furthermore, there are a number of additional considerations for individuals who suffer from both hypertension and anxiety. One of the most crucial aspects of managing anxiety is learning the way one's body responds to heightened feelings of anxiety, so that it can be controlled, rather than allowing it to control you.

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